I am leaving Taiwan soon, my decision to break my contract a bit past 1/2 way through. Long story why, nothing traumatic back home, just feel as completely unhappy here as humanly possible.
Anyway, I think I want to teach somewhere else in the world, but am not sure what to do with this broken contract job. To date it is my one and only English job, so its important to be on the old CV. (I know! I totally am screwing myself by leaving, but I really need to.)
Any ideas on how I can word it on the CV? Or explain it in an interview. I just gave notice tonight to a very unhappy (about the news) boss. Am not sure what kind of reference he might give me, but under the circumstances I dont expect him to give a glowing one.
At least you have given notice. Some teachers just bugger off without a word. Your boss’ attitude should soften in the coming weeks, especially if you help find a good replacement.
Get the CV in a couple of weeks when he is less pissed off but still needs your help. You write the CV (don’t mention the contract period) and he simply has to sign and put a chop on it.
Relax, CVs are not a big deal in the English teaching game. You have six months experience. That’s enough.
Are you sure you want to leave? Would a holiday overseas help?
[quote=“travelgoddess”]I am leaving Taiwan soon, my decision to break my contract a bit past 1/2 way through. Long story why, nothing traumatic back home, just feel as completely unhappy here as humanly possible.
Anyway, I think I want to teach somewhere else in the world, but am not sure what to do with this broken contract job. To date it is my one and only English job, so its important to be on the old CV. (I know! I totally am screwing myself by leaving, but I really need to.)
Any ideas on how I can word it on the CV? Or explain it in an interview. I just gave notice tonight to a very unhappy (about the news) boss. Am not sure what kind of reference he might give me, but under the circumstances I don’t expect him to give a glowing one.
OI!
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Sorry to hear you are leaving Taiwan with such negative feelings. However, I really understand as people and places don’t always form a good relationship.
I wouldn’t worry about breaking the contract because you gave notice and people break contracts for all kinds of reasons. On the CV, I don’t think you have to give a reason, do you? You simply state what you did on the job but if you need a reason, just make one up that sounds reasonable.
I once had to break a contract to take another job. I had to pay a fine to the shool, but I felt it was worth it.
Best of luck to you.
I know I dont have to give a reason on the CV, but the question is sure to come up in future teaching interviews. Arent most contracts one year? I told him I needed to leave well before my contract is up in late Nov, but am very flexible on the leave date. I am willing to stay another month or two cause they have been truly amazing the whole time I have been here here (7 months!)!
What happened? The lifestyle is so unnatural to me. The social aspect is as unappealing as tearing my fingernails off slowly. The lack of exercise, bad food, and so much more. Lots of it I still feel too negative about to voice in an objective manner. Being stared at and called stupid and big all the time doesnt help either. Bottom line, I feel uninspired and downright depressed being here. Just not a place I feel good in.
Anyway, thanks for the advice. I have a feeling that my boss will be cool about it in time, since he has been so great so far. I dont blame him if hes not though. I know a lot of people break contracts and all that, but it still feels shitty. But 140 more days I can not take!
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I also felt bad when I broke my contract because I was treated well by my company. However, the fine made me feel not so bad.
BTW, have you decided which country you will go to next? Will it be in Asia? Keep us posted when you get to your new place so we can hear how you are doing there.
travelgoddess wrote [quote]I know I don’t have to give a reason on the CV, but the question is sure to come up in future teaching interviews. Aren’t most contracts one year? [/quote]
Most contracts are for a year (technically to get a work permit you need to sign for a year) but not all. I’ve been upfront for schools telling them that I couldn’t work for a whole year, and it wasn’t a problem.
And why worry about a question that MAY or MAY NOT come up in an interview? You either tell them the truth or you say your contract was for 8 months.
Yeah, breaking a contract is bad. However, if we reverse the situation here and you were a boss, would you want to force someone who was miserable to stay on and complete the contract?
Where do you think you’ll head after Taiwan? Italy?
Thanks Cableguy. I am secretly (although how secretly now that I am posting it here, lol) hoping that the bossaroo will be generous in cutting the penalty down a bit,if not completely. But I am not holding my breath! lol.
The next country will depend on how much longer I will be here. I was contemplating Japan before this, but now I dont know. Many decisions will have to be made once a departure date is set. Whew! My head hurts, what a day!
[quote=“travelgoddess”]What happened? The lifestyle is so unnatural to me. The social aspect is as unappealing as tearing my fingernails off slowly. The lack of exercise, bad food, and so much more. Lots of it I still feel too negative about to voice in an objective manner. Being stared at and called stupid and big all the time doesnt help either. Bottom line, I feel uninspired and downright depressed being here. Just not a place I feel good in.
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Well, I know we had our little spat but it really sucks that you’re deciding to cave in to the bullshit and leave. But, sometimes it’s for the best I guess. Hopefully your next destination will be kinder to you, as well as more respectful of you as a Western woman. Good luck.
All good comments. I just feel bad for leaving when my school has been so good to me. But I agree with you Almas I would not want someone that is miserable to be teaching my kids either.
And SteveZe, no worries. I am not caving in so much as I am shaking my head and going in search of my smile and giggle. It has been awhile since I have seen either.
Oh, how dramatic! Wish I was exagerating, but wow!
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I know how you feel TG, It is a miserable place, and you are doing the right thing, I wish I was brave enough to do that and leave Mrs Fluffy… again :s